Javaris Crittenton Biography: Javaris Cortez Crittenton born December 31, 1987 is a former American professional basketball player whose career included stints with the Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Washington Wizards in the NBA, as well as time with the Zhejiang Lions in China’s CBA and the Dakota Wizards in the NBA D-League. Before turning pro, he was the starting point guard for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. On August 26, 2011, Crittenton was charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Jullian Jones, a 22-year-old mother of four. He pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in 2015 and received a 23-year prison sentence, later reduced to 10 years. He was released from prison on April 21, 2023.
Javaris Crittenton Biography
Javaris Cortez Crittenton is a former professional basketball player whose once-promising NBA career was derailed by personal and legal troubles. Known for his athletic skill and adaptability on the court, Crittenton played for multiple NBA teams before his life took a dramatic and tragic turn. Born on December 31, 1987, in Atlanta, Georgia, he rose to national attention at Georgia Tech before being selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 2007 NBA Draft. His career was ultimately cut short by a series of controversies, including a manslaughter conviction that led to prison time.
Javaris Crittenton Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
December 31, 1987 (age 37)
Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Listed height |
6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Listed weight |
200 lb (91 kg) |
| High school |
Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy
(Atlanta, Georgia) |
| College |
Georgia Tech (2006–2007) |
| NBA draft |
2007: 1st round, 19th overall pick |
| Drafted by |
Los Angeles Lakers |
| Playing career |
2007–2011 |
| Position |
Point guard / shooting guard |
| Number |
1, 3, 8, 23, 6 |
| Category |
Football Biographies |
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About Javaris Crittenton
Javaris Cortez Crittenton is an American former professional basketball player. During his four year career, Crittenton played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Washington Wizards of …
Javaris Crittenton Wiki
- Born: 31 December 1987 (age 37 years), Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Salary: 54 lakhs USD (2013)
- Position: Point guard
- School: Georgia Institute of Technology
- Dates joined: 2010 (Zhejiang Lions), 2008 (Washington Wizards, Memphis Grizzlies), 2007 (Los Angeles Lakers)
- Career end: 2011
- Height: 96 m
Early Life and High School Career
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, to Sonya Dixon, Crittenton attended Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy. As a sophomore, he played alongside future NBA star Dwight Howard, and together they led their team to a GHSA Class A state championship. In his junior year (2005), Crittenton averaged 28.4 points, 7.5 assists, and 8.2 rebounds per game, guiding the team back to the state finals, where they fell to Randolph-Clay High School. During his senior year, he elevated his game even further, averaging 29 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds per contest.
That season, Southwest Atlanta reached the semi-finals, defeating Randolph-Clay and later capturing the championship by beating Whitefield Academy. Crittenton earned several accolades for his performance, including McDonald’s All-American honors and being named Mr. Georgia Basketball by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Academically, he maintained a 3.5 GPA and participated in the Future Business Leaders of America and the Senior Beta Club.
Javaris Crittenton: Quick Profile
| Field |
Details |
| Full Name |
Javaris Cortez Crittenton |
| Date of Birth |
December 31, 1987 |
| Birthplace |
Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Nationality |
American |
| Education |
Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy; Georgia Tech |
| NBA Debut |
2007 (Drafted by Los Angeles Lakers) |
| Known For |
Playing for the Lakers, Grizzlies, Wizards |
| Relationship Status |
Not publicly known |
| Children |
None publicly reported |
| Net Worth |
$4.14 million |
Family Influence
Raised by his mother, Sonya Dixon, in Atlanta, Crittenton was brought up in a supportive, education-focused environment. He attended Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, where he played alongside future NBA star Dwight Howard and led his team to a state title in 2004. A high achiever in both academics and athletics, he maintained a 3.5 GPA and was active in school organizations like the Future Business Leaders of America and the Senior Beta Club. He gained national recognition for his high school performance, earning McDonald’s All-American honors and being named Mr. Georgia Basketball. His family, especially his mother and two siblings, Rashad and Shaniya Lee, were instrumental in shaping his discipline and work ethic early in life.
Basketball Career: From Promise to Professional Play
Crittenton played one season at Georgia Tech (2006–2007), where he made an immediate impact as starting point guard, averaging 14.4 points per game and leading the team to the NCAA Tournament. His potential was enough to make him the 19th overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers.
NBA Career Highlights
- Los Angeles Lakers (2007–2008):Showed potential but had limited playing time on a star-heavy roster.
- Memphis Grizzlies (2008):Acquired in the Pau Gasol trade; scored a career-high 23 points in a game against the Knicks.
- Washington Wizards (2008–2009):Saw his most active NBA season but was soon sidelined by off-court issues.
Challenges, Controversies & Legal Troubles
Crittenton’s NBA career began to unravel in 2009 following a notorious locker room incident involving firearms with teammate Gilbert Arenas. The altercation led to suspensions for both players and significantly tarnished his reputation.
In 2011, he was arrested and charged with the murder of Jullian Jones, a 22-year-old mother of four. In 2015, Crittenton pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and received a 23-year prison sentence, later reduced to 10 years through a plea agreement. He was released on April 21, 2023.
Life After Prison: Rebuilding Quietly
Since his release, Crittenton has maintained a low public profile. While details on his current activities are limited, sources suggest he is focused on rebuilding his life privately and distancing himself from past controversies.
Interesting Facts
- Played alongside Dwight Howard in high school.
- Once scored 29 points in a standout NCAA game vs. Florida State.
- Was rated as one of the top point guards in his high school class by Rivals.com.
- Known for balancing strong academics with athletic talent.
Charitable Involvement and Legacy
There are no widely reported philanthropic efforts by Crittenton since his release. However, his story is often cited as a cautionary tale about lost potential and the impact of poor decision-making under pressure. Once seen as a rising star, his legacy remains clouded by legal troubles.
Future Outlook and Cultural Impact
As of now, Crittenton’s future plans are unknown. His story continues to resonate in discussions about athlete conduct, second chances, and the pressures of professional sports. Whether he returns to the public sphere or chooses a private life, his journey remains a powerful narrative of redemption and consequence.
Javaris Crittenton Net Worth 2025
Javaris Crittenton’s estimated net worth in 2025 is likely to be significantly lower than his peak NBA earnings. He earned approximately $4.14 million during his NBA career. After serving time in prison and a reduced sentence for manslaughter, his current financial situation is likely to be affected. HoopsHype reports that Crittenton’s NBA earnings were $4,144,680, but it’s important to note that this doesn’t account for any investments, income from other sources, or deductions for taxes and living expenses. Additionally, his legal issues and time in prison would likely have impacted his ability to manage and grow his wealth.
FAQs
What happened to Javaris Crittenton after his NBA career ended?
After his NBA career ended, Javaris Crittenton became involved in serious legal issues, including a 2011 murder charge. He pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in 2015 and was sentenced to 23 years in prison, later reduced to 10 years. He was released in April 2023.
Did Javaris Crittenton play college basketball?
Yes, Crittenton played one season of college basketball at Georgia Tech during the 2006–2007 season, where he served as the starting point guard and led the team to an NCAA Tournament appearance.
Why was Javaris Crittenton suspended from the NBA?
Crittenton was suspended from the NBA following a 2009 locker room incident involving firearms with teammate Gilbert Arenas while playing for the Washington Wizards. The incident drew national attention and marked the beginning of his decline in professional basketball.
What teams did Javaris Crittenton play for in the NBA?
Javaris Crittenton played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Washington Wizards during his NBA career. He also had brief stints in the NBA D-League and overseas in China.
What is Javaris Crittenton doing now?
Since his release from prison in 2023, Crittenton has kept a low profile, and there is limited public information about his current activities. Reports suggest he is focused on rebuilding his life privately.
How much money did Javaris Crittenton make during his career?
During his NBA career, Crittenton earned over $4 million. However, his financial standing significantly declined due to legal expenses and time away from professional sports, with his current net worth estimated at around $500,000.
